Australia’s maritime security policy (2017-2023) and its implications for Vietnam

Abstract

As a middle power with its national interests deeply intertwined with the maritime domain, Australia has been demonstrating a more proactive role in safeguarding maritime security. The objective of this article is to analyze Australia’s maritime security policy and offer implications for Vietnam in the context of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region that is witnessing many fluctuations. From 2017 to 2023, Australia has shown a significant update to its maritime security policy, centered on three main pillars: (1) enhancing the naval capabilities; (2) strengthening the maritime cooperation with allies and partners; and (3) actively promoting a rules-based maritime order. The article further delves into the practical implementation of Australia’s maritime security policies, encompassing the increased defense spending, the acquisition of warships and submarines, the participation in joint exercises and enhanced cooperation with the United States, Japan, and India, and the promotion of a rules-based maritime order, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Based on this analysis, the article argues that to protect national interests and contribute to a stable and rules-based maritime region, Vietnam needs to strengthen its maritime security capacity, including continuing to develop the defense power at sea, investing in the maritime domain awareness (MDA), and promoting the maritime cooperation with countries in the region.